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Smith, of Homethorpe, Orchard Park, north Hull, pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He had 30 previous convictions.

In 2010, he was convicted of common assault for punching another girlfriend to the back of her head. That same year he was also convicted of wounding a woman with a knife. It is not known if he was in a relationship with that vicitim.

And in 2013, CCTV captured him assaulting another partner by punching and headbutting her.

Richard Thompson, for Smith, said his client was "taking steps to address his problems."

Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, Recorder for Hull and the East Riding, said Smith, following a guilty plea, could have expected a nine-month jail sentence, half of which he would serve behind bars.

However, Judge Richardson QC noted Smith had already served four months on remand, meaning an immediate term of prison would result in his release "today or in the very near future".

Instead, he handed him nine-months in jail, suspended for two years, allowing the judge to "keep a close eye" on Smith.

Smith must also complete 50 days of rehabilitation, namely completely the Building Better Relationships programme, and attend regular "reviews" with Judge Richardson QC.

He told Smith: "Men like you who attack women, frequently their partner or former partner, must expect, when violence is inflicted, to be sent to prison and be punished. It is a serious crime. It is reprehensible conduct.

"Let there be no mistake, this case would ordinarily attract an immediate custodial sentence to mark the seriousness of the case.

"Believe you me, if you step out of line you will be in very serious trouble. You will go straight to prison for a very long time. I am giving you a real lifeline."